Unidimensional Versus Domain Representative Parceling of Questionnaire Items: An Empirical Example

TLDR

The study presents two alternative methods for parceling questionnaire items for confirmatory factor analysis and illustrates them with an empirical example. The first method retains parcels that meet reliability thresholds and demonstrate unidimensionality, while the second method retains parcels that are equally representative of all domain aspects. Both methods produce parcels that adequately indicate the general construct, with the domain‑representative approach aligning with recommended aggregation practices to enhance psychometric quality.

Abstract

Two alternative methods for parceling questionnaire items for use in confirmatory analyses are presented. The first method requires that parcels must (a) pass a minimum standard of reliability and (b) provide indications of unidimensionality to be retained for analysis. The second method requires that parcels be equally representative of the multiple aspects of a domain. The parcels may then serve as adequate indicators for the general construct. The latter method is consistent with the rationale underlying aggregation of measures, a procedure currently recommended for improving the psychometric properties of behavioral measures of personality. The two methods for parceling and a comparison are illustrated with an empirical example.